Patrick Murtagh: AFL star reveals how his father’s tragic death inspired him to break into the NFL as he makes his dream come true

Patrick Murtagh has opened up about how the loss of his father three years ago inspired his NFL dream, which has come true after the former Gold Coast Suns AFL player signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Murtagh, who spent three years on the roster with the Suns without playing an AFL game, has joined the Jaguars through the NFL’s International Pathway Program.

At 24, the tight end is now among a rare group of Australians who have made an NFL team at a position other than punter. He will now attend Jaguars training camp in preparation for the 2024-25 season.

His tight end position is the same spot that Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce plays, and he is expected to catch passes and block for his teammates.

Even if Murtagh does not secure a place on the final 53-man roster, he has the option of being retained as an additional ‘developmental player’ in the training squad.

The 195 cm, 113 kg Aussie plays tight end – the same position as Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl star Travis Kelce

Murtagh (pictured with his younger sister, mother Vala and late father Michael) wants to give back to the family that supported him as he chased his dream

A promising Aussie Rules player, Murtagh was signed by the Gold Coast Suns but failed to crack the first-class side

Murtagh explained that his father’s memory and the goal of supporting his mother financially were significant motivations behind his ambition to succeed in the NFL.

“My parents have been a huge influence on my life, I look up to my dad as a role model,” he said.

‘He has sacrificed a lot to put me where I am now and give me this opportunity with my mum.

‘Three years ago we lost father. Seeing mom on her own and trying to struggle through caring for my sister and I was very empowering.

‘I really want to give her back and give her the life she deserves.

‘Knowing that what I do makes her proud and my dad proud.

‘Every day I go to training with a smile on my face and a great attitude because I’m just grateful for where I am and the opportunity I have.

“Obviously playing football too, it comes with a good pay cheque, so knowing that it can help set my mum up and give her the life she deserves, she can relax and enjoy and get herself back on track from after we lost dad three years ago.

Patrick’s father Michael (pictured with his daughter) died three years ago of cancer

Murtagh wants to take every opportunity his parents helped create for him and give it back so his mother can live a comfortable life

Murtagh, a national-level decathlete in Australia and a Queensland state champion in high school, originally attended an international scouting combine in London.

There, he was among 12 prospects who did a 10-week training camp at IMG Academy in Florida.

Murtagh – who stands 195cm and weighs 113kg – showcased his athleticism at the International Player Pathway (IPP) Pro Day at the University of South Florida last month.

His broad jump of 3.15 meters would have ranked third best at the NFL combine. In addition, he demonstrated his impressive ability to catch with a one-handed grip during positional drills.

He also spent some time with the Lions last offseason before departing with an undisclosed medical issue.

“An enormous amount of work has been put in, and a lot of behind the scenes work, before getting into the IPP,” he said.

‘It’s a credit to my friends, my family, the team at home and my network who have spent hours getting me back into shape.

‘Honestly, never give up, never put a ceiling on your dreams. Anything is possible, especially at a young age … get your hands on all different ball sports, do whatever you can and just make the most of it and enjoy it.

‘It’s never too late. I played AFL two years ago and now here I am, just signed a contract in the NFL.’

Murtagh is the second Aussie to join the Jaguars squad, linking up with veteran defensive end Adam Gotsis, who is entering his fifth season in Jacksonville.